I have no idea how it works, but since then we have direct deposit to joint account.
The bank in question was Capital One.
I would say check with your bank. Go to the branch and ask someone if you can deposit joint tax return check without having your wife on the account.
Here is some answer found on google:
"You need to ask your bank for specifics, most have more stringent rules when it comes to tax checks, but generally so long as both parties have endorsed it, it it can be deposited into an account that has at least one of those parties, though some require it into an account with both on them. Oct 29, 2023"
And regarding the direct deposit straight from IRS.gov
"Taxpayers should deposit refunds into U.S. bank accounts in their own name, their spouse's name or both. They should avoid making a deposit into accounts owned by others. Some banks require both spouses' names on the account to deposit a tax refund from a joint return."